This document discusses the relationship between historical narrative and architecture. It argues that stories and narratives have inspired art and design movements and played a major role in shaping architecture and conserving tangible and intangible heritage. The paper examines how prominent architects incorporated historical narratives into their designs through elements like planning principles, visual representations, and stylistic choices. It discusses examples like Vidhan Bhawan and temples to show how architects referenced historical narratives. The paper also introduces the concept of the 4Ps (People, Place, Purpose, Period) to analyze how historical narratives influence each aspect of architectural design. Overall, it concludes that historical narratives are important for architecture as they connect past, present and future and give buildings meaning and identity.

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The Philosophy of Historical Narrative in Architectural Heritage
Gunjan Gangey
School of Architecture and Planning, G.D. Goenka University
Gurgaon, India
ABSTRACT: Stories and Historical narration have not only inspired the different art and design movement but
have also played a major role in shaping Architecture and conserving the tangible and in tangible heritage. In
thisresearch paper,qualitative research isdone to establish the relationship betweenthe historical narrative and
the architecture.The architectural masterpiece of prominent architects are discussed to express their philosophy
and narration. The historical narrative is discussed concerning the 4Ps (People, Place, Purpose, Period) of
architecture. There is also an effort to establish a relationship between Historical narrative and contemporary
architectural heritage, adding the layer of iconography and expression, connecting these with the past, present
and the future.
KEYWORDS: Historical narrative, philosophy of architecture, 4Ps (People, Place, Purpose, Period),
Iconography, expression.
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I. INTRODUCTION
There is a very famous quote by an American poet Muriel Rukeyser which states “The Universe is made
of stories, not of atoms”. ([1] Rukeyser, Muriel, n.d.) The metaphor portrays the role of narration. Human
civilization at every age and each stage narrated stories through paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and their
indigenous architecture. These were the communication tools and instructions passed on from generation to
generation.
Historical Narrative is the technique and the practice of writing historical story-based narrative format
([2])], reconstructing series of a long term or short-term events mainly focusing on the chronology of history. It
can be a series of narration which allows the user to ignite multiple sensations and numerous imaginations.
India has always been a country of folklore stories, magic, and myths. Theses historic narratives have
shaped the socio-cultural aspect of our society and quite remarkably managed to shape, evolve nurture and
influence our Architecture. The historical narrative is a story; it can be related to events or sagas that have already
happened.These events have been happening in and around us in our day to day life or somewhere in the past.It
has been observed that narrative in architecture allows the people to assemble the community’s collective memory
in a building frame adding to multi-sensory experiences. These memories enable the designerto create the content
or the brief, guiding the homogeneous and meaningful spatial organization based on narrative.
The objective of the study:
1. To establish a relationship between the historical narrative and its influence on architecture
2. To examine 4Ps of design in context to Historical narrative
II. HISTORICAL NARRATIVE AND ITS INFLUENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
A Narrative based architecture or pure geometrical & global architecture without any influence and
expression has been debated for centuries. A Designer might accept the historical narrative for his design or
outrageously deny it. This conflict has been for age’s weather the design should have a contextual narrative
background or it should be modern, global without any context, narrative or attachment. Few of the great architect
like Robert Venturi believed that regular middle-class people, the masses rather than classes,preferred homes and
designs “that [were] nostalgic echoes of the past, rather than those dwellings that [were] ‘pure’ and austere
statements of orthodox Modernism” ([3]Correa, Charles) .He argued that Architecture should have a style that
involved tradition and history, the best way to fill with culture emotions and values in a building.
Prominent architects of India Charles Correa believed that “indeed it is not possible to build in Asia
without acknowledging, in one way or another, the presence of the traditional, the potent ideograms that underlie
these narrative traditions ([4] William S.W. Lim) and its glorious history. He truly believed the importance of
historical narrative in architecture which later on started reflecting in his architecture style. He celebrated the
traditional architecture infusing it with modern technology. The concept of Mandalas and Vastu principles
followed in ancient temples of India was later seen in his master projects like Jaipur Kala Kendra and Vidhan

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Bhawan. These are the constant reminder of the rich intangible heritage an architecture masterpiece holds with
layers of multiple narration attached to it.
The Vidhan Bhawan in Bhopal has been designed on the principles of ancient old tradition followed in
the temples called “Navgraha Mandal (Vastu-purusha, [5], n.d.)” focusing on the relationship of the cosmos with
the humans. This principle divides the geometrical plan into nine equal square, the big square is the supreme
centerof the universe and the subdivided nine are the planets.This type ofplanning intends to allow all the positive
energy of the cosmos into the perfectly balanced plan. This technique has massively been translated into his many
designs including the “Vidhan Bhawan” in Bhopal balancing it with regional characteristics like climate, culture,
skills, and availability of materials. The Historical narrative is not only adopted in the planning but also the various
visual representation inside the building which represents the legacy of rich Indian heritage.
Figure 1 Source: hiddenarchitecture.net/vidhan-bhava-state-assembly, Figure 2, Source: sreenivasaraos.com
Architect Raj Rewal describes this endeavor, as to how his “generation has been trying to discover the
common thread in which the fabric of Indian Architecture has been woven in the past; and its significance for our
times ([6], Charles Correa). He got inspired by the beautiful Ranakpur Jain temple which glorified and narrated
the past. The parliament library roof was the example of inspiration turning into execution by the great architect.
The mandala roof corbelled into a beautiful Hindu dome was translated into a modern context to cover
the central atrium of the library building. The later building pays homage to the historical narrative of ancient
buildings. This was one of the unique styles of Raj Rewal’s architecture philosophy in which he paid his due
respect to the heritage and the legacy of the country.

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Figure 3, Source: Author, Ranakpur temple, Rajasthan, Fig 4 Klaus –Peter thearchiblog.wordpress.com
III. Historical Narrative Transition from Lateral to abstract architecture:
All these building had lateral narration in their architecture style,the contemporary architects have started
using abstract narration to define the architecture design. The two examples are of a temple design in which the
cultural and historical narrative has been invoked shaving out the ornamentation.The symbol connects the present
with the past narrative.
These examples can be seen in the “Sai Mandir” Temple by “SEA” ([7] Sea Design Studio, n.d.)architects
in Hyderabad which is straddling the world of memory and history’. The humble temple perfectly fits into
contemporary architecture yet following the historical narrative of Shakira Style of the North Indian temple.
Figure 5, Source: www.gosmartbricks.com/sai-mandir-vennached-made-out-of-porotherm-bricks-by-
sea-design-studio
The other one goes as the temple in the outskirt of Pune by Sameep Padora & Associates architect ([8]
Dezeen, n.d.) . The beauty of the design not only produced a perfectly balanced sanctumwith sacred Garb Griyha
and a utilitarian Mandapa but also a holy skylight decorating the inner sanctum. Thus the historical narrative
shaped the architecture whereas the architect managed to produce less is more in his design expression by
simplifying a traditional Indian temple design and omitting the usual decoration but maintaining symbolic
elements that continue the narration of the place.
These young architects were able to capture the mesmerizing heritage of the past into their own ways and
transform it into a unique heritage experience for the users.

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Figure 6, Source: www.dezeen.com/2010/11/01/shiv-temple-by-sameep-padora-associate
We as the designers have been longing for the humanistic approach in the design process and the
outcome product for a long time. If the narration has to continue from the building, the elements of the narration
has to be identified. Architecture for the people, place, and purpose has been holding the center of narration in
all the above examples. The fourth element of Historical narrative in architecture can be the period which will
connect the narrative thread of the design.The 4p of design with historical narrative can add the missing
dimension in the global expression allowing the design stories to continue from generation to generation.
IV. The 4Ps of design in context to Historical narrative-People, Place, Purpose and Period.
Historical narrative and People: Of Architecture started with the people, for the people, by the people.
The universal man representing mankind can be seen in many historical contexts right from Vastu Purusha
Mandala to the Vitruvius Man by Leonardo da Vinci and later on the Modular Man by Le Corbusier. The constant
obsession to balance the scale and proportion in Architecture leads to the division of Monumental scale and the
Human Scale.
There has been always an urge to create a relationship between man and nature and reflect that in the
architecture. The architecture of the mighty temples, mosques, cathedrals or the public buildings like Museum
& war memorials narrate this story. The great patron’s or the common class’s story, their emotion has inspired
the art movement, architecture style for ages and will continue to create humanistic design for the people.
The Kumbh mela, the mega ephemeral city is the example of historical narrative setting architecture for
the people. Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, the festival has many myths and lore associated both with
its origins and the endless rituals performed there for many days [ ([9])] ([10], Lochtefeld, James G. God’s
Gateway) allowing congregation of millions of people ([11], Rahul Mehrotra, 2017)].
Figure 7: mahakumbhfestival.com/kumbh-mela-map-on-google-maps/

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This mega city holds religious, socio & cultural importance related to spiritual and physical healing.
These briefs have shaped the temporary town planning of the massive city which results to the question like what
are physical boundaries of the festival, spatial zoning of the city and the foremost being construction for the
deconstruction, aligning with the cosmic life cycle philosophy. The various engineering element and technical
aspect like services, safety, amenities and facilities allows interdisciplinary management coinciding with the
historical narrative.
Historical narrative and Place: Design according to place and region has always been a guiding element
in Indian architecture. Place narration with climatic consideration allowed flexible architecture style to flourish,
provoking architects to provide thermal comfort to the users. The construction technology in ancient building
narrates the importance of Place, identifying a unique architecture style for each zone.
The huge bird sculpture in Kerala is designed based on the historical narrative of place aligning with
“Ramayana”. The design promotes ecotourism acting as a public place for the people, resting on the exact place
(location) mentioned in the narrative.It is said that the injured Jatayu and his lost wing landed on top of a rock. In
time, the rock got the name Jatayupara. This is where the monumental statue of Jatayu is now built[ ([12],
Jatayuearthscenter., 2019).
Sure the elements of Architecture enhances the narrative but somewhere to start and deliver the story ,
this legend sculpture building will connect the community for generations.
Figure 7 ,8-Source: Jatayu Earth’s Centre:
Historical narrative and Purpose: The genesis, the purpose of Architecture has always been improve
the man kind. It is to create infinite, free, joyous places for all the purposes.This notion of purpose of design has
led to so many conflicts and disagreement. The philosophy of function (purpose) or form has been clashing for
ages. The historical narrative of ancient buildings provides insight to the designers,supporting the ideology that
design should identify the purpose and resolve the purpose.
The architecture of the Adalaj Step well in Gujrat, the truly inverted temples strongly connects with the
historical narrative. The purpose of the step well was to provide drinking water, resting place and community
gathering. This later turned out into socio cultural and utilitarian space transforming into a Spiritual refuge. The
determination of a widow queen and the inclination of another ruler towards her set up the narrative of fusion.
This fusion of Indo Islamic sultanate architecture can be seen through the motifs of flowers and graphics ofIslamic
architecture which blends very well with the symbols of Hindu and Jain gods carved at various levels of the well.
An interesting depiction carved from a single block of stone is of the Ami Khumbor (symbolic pot of the
water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life) ([13] The Adalaj Stepwell, 2019). Also seen is a fresco of
navagraha or nine planets. These depictions are said to attract villagers for worship during marriage and other
ritualistic ceremonies making it a spiritual paradice [10 ([14], Klaus-Peter, n.d.).
This is the perfect example of historical narrative shaping architecture. This fusion was also seen in later
part of Gujarat’s Sultanate architecture. The practices attached to the inverted well has helped to restore and
conserve the heritage building adding a portal to gaze into the past.

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Figure 8,9: Source www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/6/32
Historical narrative and Period:The period architecture either ancient, medieval, modern orpostmodern
have different historical context, construction technology and architecture style to narrate. Some places have the
shadows of many period together, holding multiple fabric and connecting different eras.
One such example in the old city of Jodhpurstitching the medieval India fabric to the contemporary one
by Adaptive Reuse. The historic core of the city along the the Pichola lake front is a result of evolution layered
by different socio, economical hierarchical structure, political and religious factors, climatic zone and local
material availability shaping the architecture.
The city stands as a testimony of Indo Islamic architecture and later on the Indo-saracenic style,
constituting of historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries and the lake side ghats.These traditional buildings
have been reshaped into hotels, restaurants and museums. The adaptive reuse has allowed to preserve the period
narrative of the old city engaging the local into economical ventures. The historical narrative and the rich
architecture paint a canvas favoring the cultural tourism. The architecture of the new buildings popping up in the
core of the city is still being borrowed from the period narrative. The picture below is a frame, capturing the
different architecture style emerging in the city core with the city palace at the backdrop guarding the historical
narrative of the period.
The city stands stillreflecting the shadowof the wonderful glory and delightful past.Maintaining the old
fabric of the city has helped to restore the past heritage of the city.
Figure 10, Source: www.udaipuronline.in/city-guide/udaipur-tourism , Udaipur lake shore
Historical narrative reviving the Architectural Heritage: The term cultural heritage was first recognized
in 1972 Paris convention which had concern to protect the world culture and natural heritage. It defined
masterpieces with exceptional history,extraordinary value, art, sculpture,science and many more to be conserved,
safeguarded and restored for the future because of their unique characteristic and irreplaceable value.

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Historical narrative attached to the art,culture, sculpture ora building of any kind adds to this uniqueness.
Conservation of such architecture, artesian style or the practices of the community becomes more necessary.
V. Conclusion
There is a famous saying by Architect “Norman Foster” that quotes: As an architect you design for the
present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown. ([15], n.d.)]. Architects do
believe that they design primarily for People, construct spaces that are relevant to Place, and forge connections
that give a building Purpose. Designing with historical narration connects the three important dots, present past
and future. It acts as a frame to discoverthe past and inspire the future. The 4Ps combined with narrative can lead
to emphatically driven design having a humanitarian approach connecting the community and conserving the
tangible and intangible heritage.
Historical narrative allows an architect to design, conceptualize, formalize and materialize in a way that
gives a sense of place and identity to a new building, connecting it with the past fabric. These buildings serve as
focal point, land marking and providing reference point in the built landscape. Therefore it creates a local
environment with the immediate setting for the lives of community, who reside or work there in historical
landscape. Historical narrative also gives a monumental scale to a building based on human psychology,
portraying the ideology of cosmos within the built space. One cannot deny that there is a great scope of learning
from historical narrative and its exploration in the coordinates of Architecture to conserve the heritage of past,
present and the future to come.
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